Rivers crisis: Conflicting judgements can ridicule judiciary, Jonathan warns NJC

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed concerns over the political crisis in Rivers state.

In a statement on Saturday, Jonathan asked the National Judicial Council (NJC) to address the growing issue of conflicting court judgements.

The former president said the tension in Rivers poses a significant threat to peace and stability, not only within the state but also across Niger Delta.

Jonathan said conflicting court orders issued by courts of concurrent jurisdictions are part of the issues hampering democracy.

He said if not checked, the situation could derail Nigeria’s democracy and cause ridicule for the judiciary.

“The political happenings in Rivers state in the past days is a cause for serious concern for everyone, especially lovers of democracy and all actors within the peace and security sector of our nation,” he said.

“Elections are the cornerstone of democracy because they are the primary source of legitimacy. This process renews the faith of citizens in their country as it affords them the opportunity to have a say on who governs them. 

“Every election is significant, whether at national or sub-national levels as it counts as a gain and honour to democracy.

“It is the responsibility of all stakeholders, especially state institutions, to work towards the promotion of sound democratic culture of which periodic election stands as a noble virtue.

“Democracy is our collective asset, its growth and progress are dependent on government commitment to uphold the rule of law and pursue the interest of peace and justice at all times. 

“Institutions of the state, especially security agencies must refrain from actions that could lead to breakdown of law and order. 

“Rivers state represents the gateway to the Niger Delta and threat to peace in the state could have huge security implications in the region. 

“Let me sound a note of caution to all political actors in this crisis to be circumspect and patriotic in the pursuit of their political ambition and relevance.

“I am calling on the National Judicial Commission (NJC) to take action that will curb the proliferation of court orders and judgements, especially those of concurrent jurisdiction giving conflicting orders. This, if not checked, will ridicule the institution of the judiciary and derail our democracy.”

Jonathan also urged security agencies, especially the police, to avoid actions that could lead to lawlessness.

THE CONTENTIOUS RIVERS LGA POLLS

The Rivers LGA election is taking place amid the lingering feud between Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister, and Siminalayi Fubara, the Rivers governor.

On September 4, a high court in the state held that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) could conduct the LGA elections using the 2023 voter register.

However, on September 30, a federal high court in Abuja barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the voter register to RSIEC.

The court also restrained the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other security agencies from providing security during the polls.

However, the Rivers governor insisted that RSIEC would proceed with the election, saying the court order did not stop the exercise.

On October 2, INEC said it had not released the voter register in compliance with the ruling — but RSIEC said it had received a copy of the register from INEC since 2023.